Recent Alaska Shipping News

Alaska is the home of the world’s most beautiful scenery and is best explored through a road trips. Wherever you go, wilderness surrounds you with enormous mountains, animals appearing, and quaint small towns. And whenever you like, you can explore a side road, make discoveries, and linger for as long as you like.

Anchorage is a great base for scenic day drives and parks are easily accessible. Take off on the legendary Parks Highway, with views of Denali (Mt. McKinley); meander on the Seward Highway with coastal views or set off down the Glenn Highway to view the Matanuska Glacier.  Explore the beauty of Alaska by car at your own pace.

See our list of favorite spots below. We hope you are inspired to take a road trip and explore the natural beauty of Alaska.

• Denali Park Road (McKinley Park to Kantishna)
• Matanuska Glacier Scenic Drive
• Anchorage to Seward (Seward Highway)
• Eklutna Lake Scenic Drive
• Exit Glacier Road
• Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive
• Turnagain Arm Drive
• Portage Valley & Whittier Tunnel Drive Guide
• Old Glenn Highway Scenic Drive
• Arctic Valley Road Scenic Drive

Shipping a car to Alaska is a lot more simple than it sounds. We answered some common questions asked while setting up vehicle shipments to help you prepare for your booking.

What do I need to set up my shipment?
• Year, Make & Model of the vehicle
• Vehicle Color
• Vehicle VIN Number
• License Plate Number (If available)

 How long will it take to ship my car?
Transit times vary depending on the origin and destination of your shipment. You can visit our transit times page to view delivery times for your specific route.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?
Yes. Online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real-time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online anytime.

Can I have anything inside my vehicle when shipping?
If you would like to ship personal belongings inside your vehicle, it must be discussed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Your shipping coordinator will notate the weight of the personal items inside the vehicle and your rate will be updated to include personal belongings.

How do I pay for my shipment?
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, electronic transfer, money orders, and company checks. Payment must be made in full prior to the date of your shipment.

Are there size restrictions on shipping my vehicle?
The rates provided online apply to standard size vehicles. A standard size vehicle is defined as any passenger automobile not excedding 21’6″ length x 8′ width x 7′ height. If your vehicle is larger than the standard dimensions, please contact our oversize shipment department by calling (907) 331-3100 to receive a rate for your transportation.

How much gas can I have in my vehicle?
Less than 1/4 tank – no exceptions. This is a coast guard regulation (#176.905). Please note, we do not offer a siphoning service.
What is required on the date of my shipment?
• Copy of booking
• Set of keys
• Picture ID

How can I book my shipment?
For your convenience, you can book your shipment securely online anytime. If you would prefer to set your shipment up with a shipping coordinator, please call (907) 331-3100 during normal business hours.

For some, winter is all about hibernating. The more cold weather, ice, and snow, the more excuses to curl up with a good book on the couch and watch a movie. For others, winter is all about being active. Whether you are hibernating for the winter or looking forward to some cool and adventurous activities, it’s time to think about some heart healthy winter activities. Here are a few:

Cross-Country Skiing

While you might think that cross-country skiing only provides a workout for the lower body like the thighs and calves, you also get a pretty awesome upper body workout too. Many active people go to the gym to get a good cardio workout, build muscle and burn calories too. Cross-country skiing can provide all three benefits.

You might need to hit the gym for a while before heading out cross-country skiing, but the experience and the adventure will offer you many benefits.

Ice-Skating

Most people think of pure fun when they think about ice-skating, but this winter sport can keep you fit while you’re having fun. There are many obvious benefits, but also a few hidden benefits to ice-skating.

• Increase flexibility
• Build up muscles in your calves and legs
• Improve stability and balance
• Give you nice cardio workout

So, next time you’re debating on whether or not to lace up, remember the fun but also remember the health benefits as well.

Sledding

You might not think that sledding provides any benefit health-wise whatsoever. However, if you think about it – what goes up must come down. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll want to do it all over again – which means you have to get back to the top of the hill.

In snow, that’s a bit trickier than on soil. That climb becomes a bit more of a workout, but you’ll probably not notice because you’re too busy having fun.

Snowboarding

The great thing about snowboarding is that it works out your mind and your body. You have to concentrate on keeping your balance while having fun at the same time. Think also of the muscles you use when snowboarding. There are several benefits to this winter sport; you get to have a cardio workout, exercise muscles you never knew you had and keep your mind sharp all at the same time.

Check out this article that tells all about the difference between anaerobic and aerobic exercises and how they both relate to snowboarding.

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/strength-training/the-aerobic-and-anaerobic-benefits-of-snowboarding.html

Of course, with any physical activity (especially winter sports) always check with your doctor beforehand.

Off road enthusiasts have it made when it comes to visiting Alaska. There are many exciting and adventurous places to explore. If you love to take your off-road vehicle for a spin, you have plenty of options in Alaska. Here are a few of the most popular trails.

Captain Cook State Recreation

Some locals and visitors might refer to Captain Cook State Recreation area as one of Alaska’s hidden gems. Visitors to the Kenai Peninsula will be awe-struck by its peaceful line of forestry, sparkling lakes and streams full of wildlife.

Off roaders will be charged by the undiscovered terrain and the breathtaking backdrop. All-terrain vehicles are only permitted in certain areas. When you’re done roughing the terrain, you can always stop and find a spot to throw in a line to catch some rainbow trout or silver salmon. Take some time for bird watching or wildlife viewing and catch a glimpse of a beluga whale on the way.

Coal Mine Road

The Coal Mine Road is as rugged as rugged gets. An off roader can enjoy the 4X4 trails that makes its way around several small lakes. The mountain views are as rugged as the terrain. While there, you can catch some decent fishing or rent a cabin nearby. Best time and maybe only time to visit is in summer; however, you might need to make a reservation months in advance.

While, it’s snowing in many parts of the country right now, the best time to think ahead for this locale is now. Sometimes reservations are necessary six month in advance. Perfect timing.

Clam Gulch Recreation Area

Like the name suggests, Clam Gulch Recreation Area is the perfect place to dig for clams. If you’re looking to take your All-Terrain Vehicle out for a spin and enjoy digging for razor clams, then this is the place for you.

Visitors love to spend time at the park; camping, digging for clams and off-roading till the sun goes down. While off road vehicles are restricted to stay within the campground, beach, and saltwater access roads, sometimes this is all that’s needed.

You can bring your 4X4, dirt bike, ATV or Motor cross and enjoy the terrain, the activities and nature like you’ve never seen it before. For more inspiration on how to trade in your car for an off-roader, check out this adventurous soul here:

http://www.motortrend.com/news/celebrity-drive-josh-gates-travel-channel-expedition-unknown/

No matter what type of off-road vehicle you enjoy, there’s a spot for you in Alaska. Even if you don’t have an all-terrain vehicle of your own, there are plenty of tours you can take. From Denali Park to the backroads, there’s always an adventure in Alaska.

Summer is long behind us as we welcome in fall. Fall brings change in weather, change in clothing and change in our mindset. We get ready for the beauty of the falling leaves, maybe a fall road trip and getting excited for the upcoming holidays. Hearth and home is more important and more apparent during the fall season.

As we leave behind memories of walking on the beach at night, we do get other opportunities to glimpse nature at its finest with the onset of the upcoming meteor showers and shows. Just because summer has ended and we don’t find ourselves walking under the stars on the beach at night doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy a meteor shower or two along the way in fall.

Of course, some of the most-loved and well-known light shows are the Perseid meteor show in Alaska and the Aurora Borealis, but here are a few others.

The Orionids

If you live far enough away from the bright city lights and have an evening with a cloudless sky, you can view the meteor shower of the Orionids. Friday night into the wee early hours of Saturday morning will give you an opportunity to view the dancing lights of the Orionids. You won’t even necessarily need the benefit of a telescope.

The prediction for best viewing for this meteor show is in the wee hours just before dawn. If you’re up for an adventure, you might get lucky and see quite the show.

You may even get to see a dozen or more meteor showers an hour on this one. While October may be peak viewing time, you may still see some action up until somewhere in mid-November.

If nothing else, you might be able to view the a full and brightly shining moon in the hours just before dawn. If you’re a fan of super moons, then you are in luck this year. The entire month of November will be a great time to head outside and check out a rare view of Earth’s moon, up close and personal. It will get to boast that it is the fullest, brightest and biggest but also the closest since the late 1940s.

The North and South Taurids

From early to mid-November, you may be able to view the meteor shower the Taurids will put on display. While not as high in volume, these meteor showers will be apparent for a longer time frame.

While the Orionids may offer anywhere from 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the Taurids may be closer to seven per hour, but just as enjoyable the same. When Taurus the bull is high in the sky, the most activity can be seen.

The Leonids originate from Leo the Lion and if you were around in 1966 you may remember one of the greatest meteor shows there were. With thousands of meteors falling from the night sky, it was a show to remember.

For a more extensive list with some stunning pictures, click here:

http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide#south-taurids

If Alaska had a slogan, it might just read, “Go Fourth and Celebrate.” Just about everywhere you turn, there’s a celebration in honor of the Fourth of July. It may be because cities like Seward earned the title of “All American City” on not one, but three occasions. Or maybe it’s because Alaska is the last frontier where wilderness remains pristine.

 
Who knows, but if you haven’t made any plans to visit Alaska or haven’t had time to plan your Fourth of July vacation, why not make travel plans to visit Alaska now. If you’re lucky enough, you’ve already signed up for the Mount Marathon Race in Seward. Runners can face the challenge that only the Mount Marathon can offer.

 
If running is not your style, then fishing just might be. If you’re an angler seeking out solitude and wilderness, there’s no place better to do that than in Alaska. For some travelers, sitting around in traffic waiting to arrive at their destination and for their vacation to begin is just the norm. For others, being alone with the wilderness and being one with nature is where it’s at for this year’s vacation.

 
The beauty of Alaska is, of course in its natural landscaping. Brown bears, wild salmon, moose, and the bald eagle are just a few of the natural and amazing sites you’ll see. And as diverse the landscape is from mountains to rivers and glaciers, is how diverse the activities you will find there.

 
If solitude and casting your line in the fresh, cool waters of Alaska or running up a mountain in a marathon are not your style, and you are more Americana than that, how about a good old-fashioned parade down Main Street.

 
The city of Seward hosts the most spectacular parade you could imagine. The small town of only a few thousands bursts at the seams every Fourth of July to host its annual Fourth of July festivities. Whether it’s an historic stroll down town or to browse through the wares of the many vendors, there’s plenty of festivities to take part in on Main Street USA in Seward, Alaska.

 
For more fun in the Alaskan sun, visit the Girdwood Forest Fair in early July. There are plenty of activities from a dazzling parade to interesting foods, fun contests and enjoyable entertainment not to mention plenty of craft vendors.

 
Why is this summer the perfect time to visit Alaska? Alaska is not your typical vacation for starters; there are more diverse activities than you could imagine. Culture and heritage are important to Alaskans and so is preservation of the pristine natural wilderness. In Alaska during summer, the nights are longer and the days are sweeter. It’s that simple.

For more information on some of the summer festivities, click HERE

If you’re old enough to drive a car, then you’re old enough to treat Dad to a really great time this Father’s Day. When you’re a small child, it makes Dad happy to get those hand-made, home-made gifts. Now that you’re a grown-up and able to drive to just about anywhere, why not make it a Father’s Day to remember this year?

 
More than anything else, if your dad is like most, he’d love the opportunity to simply spend time with you. He’s busy, you’re busy and it’s all good; however, planning some cool outing with your dad might just make it his best Father’s Day yet.

 
Keep it Simple

 
You don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on Father’s Day this year in order to make it a good one. Grab some tickets to a game and jump in your car. The time spent bonding with your dad at a sporting event will create memories to last a lifetime. There’s no price you can put on that. A one-day travel adventure is just as good as an extended vacation.

Or Go Big with a Father and Son Travel Excursion

 
What better way to bond with dad than to do take on some manly travel excursions? Fishing is and probably always will be one of the greatest ways for fathers and sons to spend time together. If you and your dad spent countless hours fishing, hiking and camping when you were younger or even if you never got the chance at all, there’s no better time than now to grab your pole and spend time with dad this Father’s Day. If you didn’t plan something yet, there’s still time. Be bold, think out of the box; check out these father/son fishing activities.

 
Take a Hike

 
If you didn’t get a chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Parks, it’s not too late. Combining the anniversary of our National Parks with Father’s Day is one of the best ideas you can have. You don’t have to worry if dad’s never been hiking before either. There are plenty of parks that offer beginning hiker trails. These National Parks are more for the one-of-a-kind experiences and majestic, magnificent views rather than the actual experience or lack thereof of hiking.

 
Camp Out

 
If you’ve ever gone camping with your dad, it was probably when you were a small child. How great would it be to camp out again with dad, only this time more as an equal? You can show your dad just how much you learned from him when camping out as a young boy and just how much you listened to him too. A gift like that is priceless to your dad.
No matter what state you’re in, you’re bound to find a camping excursion that suits you both best or one that’s only a road trip away. Imagine combining a road trip on the open road that ends with a camping outing this Father’s Day weekend. That’s a win/win combination, for sure.

 
There are dozens of activities to choose from this Father’s Day that will make it a day to remember:

 
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Camping
• Sporting event
• Rock climbing
• Mountain climbing
• National parks

 
No matter what you choose, spending time with your dad beats giving him a tie, hands down.

Being frugal means many things to many people. It could mean saving money for a big cause like an annual vacation. Or it could mean saving one dollar for every dollar earned. Being frugal could also mean doing without. Different meanings, same word.
So, how can you be frugal when it comes to celebrating like the rest of them and like the best of them this Memorial Day? Here are a few tips:

 
Pack it Up

If you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to spend a fortune on concession stand food that, let’s face it, is terrible for you anyway. Pack up your own lunch and cooler and off you go. Making your own sandwiches, bringing your own fruit and filling up your own personal water bottles is not only frugal, it saves the environment of unnecessary additional plastic water bottles.

Be a Day-Tripper
Have you ever sat home on a Memorial Day weekend feeling less than everybody else because everyone else got to go away? Well, you can still go away, but you just don’t have to stay away.
Take a day trip to a local festival. Go to a winery just on the outskirts of your town. There are craft fairs, food festivals and music events all over you can enjoy. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing gig. Remember, pack your own food and beverage and save money while enjoying yourself.
Park It
National Parks throughout the country are celebrating National Parks Week – get in for free and pick the park of your dreams. This could be “the” year you travel to places you’d never expected, like Alaska for example. Tons of parks to visit with even more activities than you could ever imagine.
If you’re not heading that way this Memorial Day weekend, why not put a plan down on paper. What better way to celebrate a long weekend than to put a plan down on paper, figure out how you’re going to save to get there and then go for it:

• Katmai National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Denali National Park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Gates of Arctic National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Exit Glacier
Some state throughout the United States, can make claim to boasting one big National Park, but Alaska has so many to savor.

Rough It
If you’ve never been camping before, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to get your feet wet and to claim stakes so to speak. Do some research, find the best spot for you and try your hand at camping.
While it might be a little bit of work in the beginning, once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself in the middle of one of those Alaskan parks camping and roughing it with very little supplies and only nature as your backdrop.
For more frugal ways to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, check out this article HERE

Truthfully, there is so much to see and do in Alaska that you are not at a loss for adventures. You can see Alaska by foot as you hike and camp in unchartered terrain or take a flightseeing adventure as you hover over massive glaciers to your destination. Take a wild ride on the river and spot some wild Alaskan sea life or pick blueberries and climb a mountain to name just a few more.
However, Alaska has some pretty unusual things to do and here are a few fun and adventurous ones:

 
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

 
At the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show you can watch as master lumberjacks battle it out to see who’s the best lumberjack of them all. At the show, they will face off and see who’s the best at chopping, sawing, and even ax throwing.
Witness the talent and skill it takes to throw an axe and hit the bullseye or how a lumberjack rolls when trying his feet at professional log rolling.

 
Alaska’s Six Mile Creek

 
Want the ride of your lifetime? Then, Alaska’s Six Mile Creek is the place to be for you. Six miles of white water rapids starting you off slow and raising the bar till you reach the crossroads of what was I thinking and this is awesome. Before you can even get your ride on, you have to don special protective gear that will keep you somewhat safe in the frigid freezing waters of Alaska and go for a swim. Once you can prove you can handle your swim, you’re allowed to set sail so to speak down the rapid course. What makes this white rapid tour different from any other is that it is held in the icy waters of Alaska and the scenery is like none other.

 
Ocean Rafting

 
Just about everyone knows that Alaska is wet, wild and magnificent. Taking a tour while ocean rafting allows you the experience of getting wet, seeing the wild and experiencing the rough Alaskan waters. More importantly, you get to see some of Alaska’s hidden wilderness treasures in the form of anemones and sea caves and abundant wildlife.
Get on the edge – the edge of a volcanic island that is as you make your way over the ocean and to the edge of the volcano. Explore as your jaw drops at the magnificent ride and the scenery along the way.

 
For a more extensive list of things to do in Alaska, check out this article here:
Awesome Things You Have to Do in Alaska

 
If you want to say you traveled like a wild adventurer, these three things will fit the bill perfectly. You’ll come home with a tale to tell for generations to come.

There have been many safety recalls in the news the last few years with issues ranging from airbags to ignition switches. Some of these incidents, sadly, were determined to be fatal; Stay in the know and check out some of the latest recalls on some popular car models:

 
Tesla Model X built prior to March 26th

 
Tesla is willingly sending out a recall of 2700 Model X vehicles because the possibility exists that the third row latch may not work if involved in certain types of accidents. The cars being recalled were the ones manufactured before March 26th. While it seems that, thankfully, no accidents have been reported, the seat backs need to be replaced in order to avoid a safety issue. If the locking hinge malfunctions, it could have potential to push the seat forward in a frontal crash. After performing a crash test and becoming aware of the issue, it’s great to see a recall happen before it becomes an accident. This doesn’t seem to have the potential to negatively impact sales. Also, it wasn’t too long ago that Tesla announced the Model 3. With a price tag starting at $35,000 and a range of 215 miles on a single charge, get ready to line up around the block for that one.

 
Semi-autonomous Technology

 
While auto manufacturers may not be thrilled with the notion that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is all for regulating self-driving vehicles, at least those consumers who are highly interested in these types of car can rest a bit easier.
Optical sensors such as lidar pick up ques from its surroundings; however, these sensors don’t always have the capability to read between the lines. Moreover, they don’t necessarily have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances like the weather for example. Talk about putting it to the test, though, as Ford performed a test with its Ford Fusion Hybrid in order to test out its autonomous driving capabilities. Imagine driving in the dead of night, in the middle of the desert, with no lights on. That’s what Ford put its research vehicle through recently in an effort to put its virtual driving software to the test; and it passed with flying colors.

 
Millions of Recalls Yet on The Road

 
Even though there have been plenty of unfortunate stories about recalls over the past years, sadly there are still high numbers of recalls still on the road – high numbers in the millions. With older, used cars it may be difficult to get in touch with the appropriate owner in order to advise them of a recall. While regulators and lawmakers are exploring new ways to ensure every driver’s safety, there are still millions of cars on the road that may have recalls on them without the driver knowing. For more information on the subject: check out the link here:
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/millions-recalled-cars-roam-road-risking-passengers-lives-n553221

 
Takata in the news again

 
Unfortunately, another incident with an airbag deploying and killing its driver occurred recently in Houston. Even more unfortunate, it was a 17-year-old girl. Not only do drivers have to be concerned with other drivers on the road, there’s a major concern about the safety of one’s own vehicle, as well. How sad that something intended to save a life is taking lives instead. For a more comprehensive look at recalls in detail, check out the link here: http://blog.caranddriver.com/massive-takata-airbag-recall-everything-you-need-to-know-including-full-list-of-affected-vehicles/#list